Editorial: Bomb reaction

The old adage “better safe than sorry” applies best to situations that are potentially dangerous.

Portland State saw this adage come to life on Monday as the university administration and Campus Public Safety took every necessary precaution to restore safety and order following a bomb threat in Neuberger Hall.

Unlike last October’s bomb threat, when the Portland State administration waited almost two and a half hours to notify faculty, staff and students, Neuberger Hall was evacuated and e-mail notifications were sent after less than a half hour.

Shortly after the threat was reported, with the assistance of the Portland Police, Neuberger Hall was searched and no bombs were found on the premises. Still, the building was closed and classes were canceled until Campus Public Safety was certain there was no threat.

The swift and immediate response demonstrated in a chaotic situation certainly deserves praise. Portland State’s administration, Campus Public Safety and everyone else who reacted to the bomb threat should be applauded, not only for how this incident was handled, but also for rebounding after a less-than-stellar reaction to the threat in October.

If anything, maybe the ambitious attempts at ensuring safety were a bit too zealous, forcing students and staff to wait outside the building for hours. But it is most important that safety be the chief concern, as it was in this situation.

And in the end, Neuberger reopened, students and faculty returned to class and Portland State went on with everyday life, just as it was supposed to.